XtraTime Web Desk: It is getting clearer now that UAE is the front runner to host the IPL 2020 until something dramatic happens. With the coronavirus cases on the rise in the country, the board may have no other options but to take the tournament away from home. The board will soon seek the Government permissions once the International Cricket Council officially postpones the T20 World Cup in Australia. As reported by Xtra Time earlier, UAE is the preferred venue primarily because of the facilities available along with the logistical advantages. With the flight operations resuming to and from Dubai and also the international connectivity makes UAE the most preferred venue as of now.
Read | IPL 2020: Dubai Sports City keeping facilities ready if the cash rich league is held in UAE
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has zeroed in on a tentative window for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) this season. The tentative dates are from September 26 to November 08. These tentative dates along with schedule and format will be worked out soon once the International Cricket Council (ICC) decides to postpone the T20 World Cup in Australia. The ICC is likely to make a decision in its Board meeting which is scheduled to take place on July 20.
Read | BCCI Apex Council Meeting: IPL likely to be shifted in Dubai, Team India camp likely in Ahmedabad
Even as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) waits for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to make an official decision on the fate of the T20 World Cup before making an announcement on the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League, franchises have already been sounded out and they are busy preparing to play the league in UAE this year.
Read | IPL 2020: BCCI zeroes in tentative window from September 26 to November 8
It is learnt that the franchises have already been briefed about the developments by the BCCI. The franchises have already started preparing for the logistics and have zeroed in on the hotel they wish to stay at in Abu Dhabi and how exactly they will train and prepare for the 13th edition of the league.